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According to a new report from KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the improved shipping estimates are due to better than expected production enhancements and parts availability, not weakened demand.

Kuo’s sources said that iPhone X production issues “have been well addressed” in recent weeks, with Foxconn’s production now at 450,000-550,000 units per day compared to just 50,000-150,000 a month ago. The two primary bottlenecks were the LTE antenna and the dot projector for the TrueDepth camera.

According to Kuo, Apple’s production problems have been largely rectified. The company diversified LCP LTE antenna orders to include a second producer, Career, while production yields of TrueDepth’s dot projector, known as the “Romeo” module, have increased.

The analyst believes fourth quarter shipments could be 10 to 20 percent higher than previously estimated, meaning first quarter 2018 shipments will experience some pull-in. As such, Kuo is forecasting flat or slightly lower quarter-over-quarter iPhone X shipments for the first quarter.

Only numbers that matter are Apple’s quarter financial results and the guidance they give for the next quarter. Apple’s guidance for the holiday quarter is sales of $84 to $87 billion. That’s record breaking for them. And for any tech company actually.

FragilityG4

So you think the demand has dropped?

Olivier

For the iPhone x, probably. It’s a fanboy device so people lined up on launch day and preordered it minutes after it was available. Now that the launch is over, most costumers will probably get other iPhones such as the 7, the 8 or a Plus model.

FragilityG4

And you base this on what?? Geez you’re always with the assumptions— think you’re the smart person in the room.

Dansk

I’d disagree, I have a couple friends that work in Apple stores and the demand they are seeing at retail level is sky high! And the little bit of trickle down information they get about it’s success and continued demand isn’t slowing down.

Olivier

Yeah I guess we should wait until there is stats

iHeartYEG

Sales which include all of Apple’s lineup – iPhones, iPads, Apple TVs, and Macs, including all of the older versions since the iPhone 7 and all the refurbished items, in addition to all of its digital sales of Apple Music subscriptions, iCloud subscriptions, App Store earnings, Apple Store earnings, and academic & corporate services.

Si2k78

If Apple is able to reach their sales target for the X at the current price, kudos to them. $1000 for a phone on contract is a hard pill to swallow for many folks.

Duster Dashed

Lol @ fanboy product. In the west maybe.. in the east it is a social status product. Everyone knows you start at the bottom (android) then work your way up to the best iOS product depending on your paygrade.

The mindset is different because a lot of phones are bought cash

FragilityG4

Are you sure about that pricing on contract?

A lot has been made of the outright price, it is a lot, but no one seems to compare its price to the Note 8 even when every other aspect of the phone is compared to it— they are the same price. It’s not only Apple.

Hosaka

I know Rogers and Fido are offering the iPhone X on a 2-year agreement for $999. You’ll need to get one of their larger phone plans to qualify.

I know one of Fido’s rep was offering me the iPhone X 256GB for $999 on a 2-year agreement 6GB Large Plan. But that might have been a customer loyalty offer (been with Fido since Dec 2000) and I was strong about buying the phone right now instead of doing an agreement.

FragilityG4

Yeah their loyalty plans don’t seem to really reward loyalty.

Olivier

Retail stores where saying the same when Apple Watch came out. I’m not saying its not selling well, Im just using common logic. iPhone X is not for everyone’s pocket, therefore if only the fanboy or the rich can purchase it, I bet it won’t get sky high sales. I have many friends that got nee iPhone last week, none of them got the X, msotly because it’s twice the price of an iPhone 8..

My guess, and that is only a guess, is that the X demand was high at launch because people who preorder and line up are fans, and fans want the best. Now that the launch is over, I don’t think demand will be as high as « normal » customers will most likely settle for a 7 or a 8 if they can save 500$. At least thats what my friends did.

Bill___A

I don’t know why the negativity in some comments. If Apple are able to sell a lot of these phones, then that’s great. We know that they are at a higher price point. As mentioned, so are higher level Samsung product. I’m going to wait because I am happy with my iPhone 7 Plus. However, it is a 256 gig one, so it wasn’t cheap. I am not thinking every day about how much it cost, I am just using it. I could have purchased a really cheap phone if I wanted to, but I didn’t, I made the choice to buy an Apple product and I am pleased with it.

Si2k78

$799/$999 is correct. Premium plus plans should be avoided like the plague; you’re paying through the nose each month for the extra $200 subsidy.

Olivier

partially true. it is a social status symbol. However, I know many people who earn well above the national average and don’t plan on spending a dime on an iPhone. On the other hand, some friends that earn less than the national average will spend their income on the X just to flash.

jay

All a big show from apple. so people going crazy and everyone wants one. but nice iphone and the best ever made.